Winner: Silver IPPY Award 2009.

Proud Past, Bright Future is a 200-page non-fiction book that chronicles the history and members of Montreal’s oldest Black congregation, Union United Church of Montreal. The Church held two book launches in honour of the publication in September 2008 and February 2009.

Author, Maranda Moses was interviewed by Jamie Orchard on Global TV’s FOCUS MONTREAL on September 28, 2008. She featured on Pat Dillon Moore's Bhum Bhum Time, CKUT, as well as being interviewed by Howard Carr of CKUT. The first book launch was held at Union United Church on September 30, 2008. During Black History Month 2009, Maranda Moses was interviewed at Union Church by Peter Anthony Holder of CJAD. A second honorary book launch was held at Montreal City Hall on February 5, 2009.

Proud Past Bright Future was self-published by Union United Church in collaboration with Invisible Cities Network. The book production was coordinated and managed by Christina Manolescu of Prince Chameleon Press.

Union United Church of Montreal welcomed members of Montreal’s community to help them celebrate the launch of their newly self-published book Proud Past, Bright Future. The 200-page non-fiction book chronicles the history of Montreal’s oldest Black congregation and was a continuation of its 100th anniversary celebrations of 2008. The two book launches were held on September 30, 2008 and on February 5, 2009. Penned by local Montreal writer, Maranda Moses, the book is a comprehensive look at the formation and history of the Church and includes a moving foreword by Mairuth Sarsfield, author of the bestselling Canadian novel, No Crystal Stair.

The first book launch for Proud Past, Bright Future took place on site at Union United Church on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 6:30 PM. The event was hosted by member, Brenda Paris, former president of the Coloured Women’s Club and the Chair of Union Montreal Party. The evening included a Q&A with the author in the sanctuary of the church, followed by a book signing session and serving of cocktails in the basement at 7 PM.

The second book launch was held at Montreal City Hall. While no books were sold on site, they were available for purchase through the Church prior to the event which took place on February 5, 2009. The Church is expected to issue a second printing of the book and will offer more details about the event as the date approaches.

In 1907, a small group of Black men and women formed Union with a treasury of just $1.83. Founders hailed from parts of Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, and laid the foundation for Montreal’s Black community at a time when they were relegated to work in domestic jobs and as railway porters. Over the years, the Church’s members have endured through struggles of faith, hope and harmony. Among the members highlighted in Proud Past, Bright Future are Dr. Charles Este, Oscar Peterson and Rufus Rockhead. Key international figures such as Nelson Mandela are also featured.